A Call to Faith, Rejoicing, and Obedience
Today’s readings offer a profound reflection on the transformative power of faith in Christ, the unity it brings to all believers, and the nature of true blessedness. In Galatians, Paul draws a clear distinction between the role of the Mosaic Law and the liberating grace of faith in Jesus Christ, calling us to recognize that all distinctions—whether based on ethnicity, social status, or gender—are rendered irrelevant in the body of Christ. This is a bold reminder that the identity we often construct for ourselves must be grounded in the reality that we are “one in Christ Jesus” (Gal 3:28).
The Psalm responds to this truth by inviting us to glorify God in His mighty works. It calls us to seek God continually, remember His faithfulness, and rejoice in the knowledge that we, as children of God, are heirs to the same promises He made to Abraham. It is a song of worship, but also a challenge to keep our focus on God’s strength, His works, and His will in our lives.
Finally, in the Gospel of Luke, we encounter Jesus turning conventional ideas of blessedness on their head. While a woman praises His mother for giving Him life, Jesus shifts the focus from mere biological connection to spiritual obedience. He proclaims that true blessedness is found not in external roles or achievements, but in “hearing and obeying the Word of God.” Together, these readings guide us toward a deeper understanding of what it means to live as children of God, rooted in faith, obedience, and unity.
First Reading – Galatians 3:22-29
Faith, Freedom, and Unity in Christ
The Letter to the Galatians is one of St. Paul’s most theologically rich writings, and it emerges from a critical moment in the early Church. At the heart of the letter is a controversy regarding whether Gentile converts to Christianity were required to observe Jewish customs, particularly circumcision and dietary laws. The Judaizers, a group within the early Christian community, insisted that adherence to the Mosaic Law was necessary for salvation. Paul, however, firmly counters this by asserting that salvation comes not through the Law, but through faith in Christ. This section of Galatians addresses the temporary and preparatory nature of the Law, which served as a guardian until Christ’s coming. In Christ, Paul insists, all distinctions—whether based on ethnic, social, or gender—are dissolved, and all who believe are adopted as children of God.
Galatians 3:22-29
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
22 But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
23 Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. 27 As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. 28 There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.
Detailed Exegesis
Verse 22: “But the scripture has imprisoned all things under the power of sin, so that what was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.”
This verse builds on Paul’s larger theological framework, found in Romans and elsewhere, where he argues that the Law, rather than providing salvation, exposes humanity’s enslavement to sin. Scripture reveals that all of creation is trapped under sin’s power. This idea is closely tied to the concept of original sin, as explained in Romans 5:12: through Adam’s sin, humanity became subject to sin and death. But Paul points to the promise given through faith in Christ, a promise that brings liberation from this captivity. It is crucial to note that the Law is not rendered meaningless here; rather, it serves as a mirror showing us our need for a Savior.
Verse 23: “Now before faith came, we were imprisoned and guarded under the law until faith would be revealed.”
Paul is speaking to both Jews and Gentiles here, referencing the period before the coming of Christ. The Law acted as a guardian, but one that could only point out transgressions; it could not deliver salvation. This period of being guarded under the Law reveals the tension between the desire for righteousness and humanity’s inability to achieve it through works alone.
Verse 24: “Therefore the law was our disciplinarian until Christ came, so that we might be justified by faith.”
The Greek term paidagōgos (disciplinarian) refers to a tutor or custodian in Greco-Roman society. This figure had the task of supervising and disciplining a child, ensuring they learned proper conduct. Similarly, the Law was intended to guide and teach, pointing toward Christ. Once Christ came, this tutoring role was no longer needed because faith in Him justifies us. The Law could restrain sin, but it could not remove it. Only Christ’s sacrifice could do that.
Verse 25: “But now that faith has come, we are no longer subject to a disciplinarian.”
Faith in Christ frees believers from the constraints of the Law. We are no longer under its tutelage because we now live in the fullness of grace. This is a significant shift in redemptive history—from living under the law to living in the freedom of grace (CCC 1964). The Law was always meant to lead to Christ, who fulfills it completely.
Verse 26: “For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith.”
Paul now emphasizes that through faith, believers are adopted into God’s family. This adoption makes us true children of God, not through physical lineage or observance of the Law, but through faith. The Church Fathers, such as St. John Chrysostom, wrote extensively on the dignity of this new status: we are no longer slaves but sons and daughters, heirs of the divine promise (Romans 8:17).
Verse 27: “As many of you as were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ.”
Baptism is the sacrament through which we are incorporated into Christ’s body. Paul uses the metaphor of clothing ourselves with Christ, signifying a transformation. We take on Christ’s righteousness and His identity. In the early Church, the newly baptized were often given white garments to symbolize their new life in Christ, a practice still seen today. CCC 1227 explains that baptism not only purifies us from sin but makes us new creatures in Christ.
Verse 28: “There is no longer Jew or Greek, there is no longer slave or free, there is no longer male and female; for all of you are one in Christ Jesus.”
Paul makes one of the boldest declarations in the New Testament: in Christ, all divisions that once separated people are eradicated. Ethnic divisions between Jews and Gentiles, social divisions between slaves and free persons, and gender distinctions between male and female—all are rendered meaningless in the body of Christ. This is not to deny the reality of these identities but to say that in Christ, they no longer define our worth or our relationship with God. The Catechism teaches that this unity reflects the divine plan of God for humanity: “All men are called to the same end: God himself” (CCC 1934).
Verse 29: “And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to the promise.”
Finally, Paul connects believers back to the Abrahamic covenant. Through faith in Christ, all who believe—regardless of ethnic background—are considered Abraham’s true descendants and heirs of the promises God made to him. This underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments: the promise given to Abraham was always intended to be fulfilled in Christ, and now, through Him, we share in that blessing.
Teachings and References
St. Augustine famously said, “The Old Testament is revealed in the New, and the New is hidden in the Old.” Paul’s explanation here is a perfect example of this truth. The Law was never intended to be the final word; it was always pointing forward to Christ, the fulfillment of the law and the one in whom all nations would be blessed (Genesis 12:3). The Catechism emphasizes that we are no longer under the law but under grace (CCC 1964), meaning that our righteousness comes through faith in Christ, not through observance of rules or customs. St. Thomas Aquinas also reminds us that the unity Paul speaks of in verse 28 is the unity of charity, the bond of love that unites all believers.
Reflection
This passage is a powerful reminder that our identity is no longer tied to worldly distinctions—whether based on race, social class, or gender—but on our unity in Christ. This unity should radically transform the way we live. How often do we still hold onto divisions in our communities, families, or even within ourselves? Being clothed in Christ means adopting a new way of seeing the world, one in which every person is a fellow heir of the promise.
Reflection question: How does being clothed in Christ change how you see yourself and others? How can you work to break down divisions in your own life?
Responsorial Psalm – Psalm 105:2-7
Rejoicing in God’s Works
Psalm 105 is a hymn of thanksgiving and remembrance. It was likely sung during festive celebrations, particularly those recalling God’s covenant with the patriarchs and His deliverance of Israel from Egypt. The psalm calls the people to praise God for His wonderful works and to remember His faithfulness throughout the generations. For the people of Israel, remembering God’s deeds was not just a mental exercise; it was an act of worship that shaped their identity and their relationship with God. The Church continues this tradition, encouraging the faithful to recall and give thanks for God’s works in the liturgy, especially in the Eucharist, which is the “sacrifice of thanksgiving” (CCC 1360).
Psalm 105:2-7
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
2 Sing to him, sing praises to him;
tell of all his wonderful works.
3 Glory in his holy name;
let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.
4 Seek the Lord and his strength;
seek his presence continually.
5 Remember the wonderful works he has done,
his miracles, and the judgments he has uttered,
6 O offspring of his servant Abraham,
children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
7 He is the Lord our God;
his judgments are in all the earth.
Detailed Exegesis
Verse 2: “Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wonderful works.”
This verse is an invitation to vocalize our praise of God. The act of singing has always been integral to worship, as it engages not just the mind but the heart and soul. St. Augustine famously said, “He who sings prays twice,” emphasizing the depth of worship found in song. But praise is also an act of proclamation: telling others about God’s mighty deeds is a form of evangelization. This is something we are all called to do, not just in church, but in our daily lives, by sharing how God has worked in our own lives.
Verse 3: “Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice.”
To “glory” in God’s name means to take pride and joy in who God is. His name represents His nature—holy, powerful, and merciful. Those who seek the Lord are encouraged to rejoice because seeking God leads to joy. This is echoed in Psalm 37:4: “Take delight in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.” The more we seek God, the more we find joy in Him.
Verse 4: “Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually.”
This verse speaks of the necessity of constantly seeking God. In a world that offers so many distractions, the psalmist urges us to focus our attention on God’s presence and His strength. The Catechism teaches that the desire for God is written on every human heart (CCC 27), and our lives should be a continual seeking of Him, trusting in His strength to sustain us.
Verse 5: “Remember the wonderful works he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he has uttered.”
Memory is a central theme in Scripture. The act of remembering is not just a passive recalling but an active participation in the reality of what God has done. This is why the Eucharist is called anamnesis—a “remembrance” that makes present Christ’s saving work. By recalling God’s past deeds, we reinforce our faith and trust in His future providence.
Verses 6-7: “O offspring of his servant Abraham, children of Jacob, his chosen ones. He is the Lord our God; his judgments are in all the earth.”
These verses remind Israel of their identity as God’s chosen people, descended from Abraham and Jacob, the patriarchs of the faith. But they also declare the universal scope of God’s reign: His judgments are for the whole earth, not just for Israel. This prepares the way for the universal message of salvation that would come through Christ, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham that “all nations would be blessed through him” (Genesis 12:3).
Teachings and References
The Church teaches that the Psalms are the voice of the Church, expressing every emotion of the human soul and every form of prayer—praise, thanksgiving, lament, and supplication (CCC 2588). In Psalm 105, we see a call to praise and remember God’s faithfulness, something that is at the heart of the Church’s liturgical life. St. Ignatius of Loyola emphasized the importance of gratitude in the spiritual life, noting that ingratitude is the most serious sin because it leads us to forget God’s goodness. Reflecting on God’s works in our own lives leads us to greater trust, joy, and obedience.
Reflection
In a fast-paced world, we often forget to pause and reflect on God’s blessings. Psalm 105 encourages us to take time to remember and celebrate what God has done—not only in history but in our personal lives. Gratitude transforms our perspective, allowing us to see God’s hand even in difficult circumstances.
Reflection question: When was the last time you paused to truly glorify God for His works in your life? How can you cultivate a spirit of gratitude in your daily routine?
Holy Gospel – Luke 11:27-28
True Blessedness in Obedience
In this brief Gospel passage, we see a powerful exchange between Jesus and a woman in the crowd. The woman, moved by admiration for Jesus, blesses His mother, Mary, for having borne Him. This reflects a common sentiment in Jewish culture, where a mother’s honor was often tied to the success of her children. However, Jesus uses this moment to redirect the focus from natural family ties to spiritual obedience, emphasizing that true blessedness comes from “hearing and obeying God’s word.” This passage also serves as a reminder that while Mary is indeed blessed for being the mother of Jesus, her greatest blessedness comes from her perfect obedience to God’s will, making her the model for all Christians.
Luke 11:27-28
New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition
True Blessedness
27 While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” 28 But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!”
Detailed Exegesis
Verse 27: “While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!’”
This woman, likely overcome with admiration for Jesus’ teaching, expresses a sentiment that was culturally significant in ancient Judaism. Motherhood was highly honored, and to have a child as revered as Jesus would have been seen as the pinnacle of blessing. Her exclamation is an indirect praise of Jesus, but it focuses on His biological origins rather than His divine mission.
Verse 28: “But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!’”
Jesus does not deny the blessedness of His mother—indeed, Mary is honored as the Mother of God, and her “yes” to God’s plan is central to salvation history (Luke 1:38). However, Jesus shifts the focus from physical motherhood to spiritual obedience. True blessedness, He teaches, is found in “hearing and obeying God’s word.” This echoes the beatitude in Luke 8:21: “My mother and my brothers are those who hear the word of God and do it.” Obedience to God is the highest form of blessedness, and Mary herself exemplifies this in her life of complete submission to God’s will.
Teachings and References
The Church teaches that Mary is the model of faith and obedience. As the Catechism states, “By her complete adherence to the Father’s will, to his Son’s redemptive work, and to every prompting of the Holy Spirit, the Virgin Mary is the Church’s model of faith and charity” (CCC 967). St. Augustine, reflecting on this passage, wrote that while Mary is blessed for being the mother of Christ, she is even more blessed for believing in Him and living in obedience to God’s word.
Reflection
This passage challenges us to consider how we measure blessedness in our own lives. In a world that often values success, status, and outward achievements, Jesus reminds us that true blessedness is found in hearing and living out God’s word. Mary, the mother of Jesus, shows us that the path to true happiness and fulfillment is found in saying “yes” to God’s will, even when it is difficult or costly.
Reflection question: What is one way you can better hear the word of God and obey it this week? How can you make obedience to God a greater priority in your life?
Living as Heirs of the Promise
Today’s readings offer us a roadmap for living as children of God. In Galatians, Paul calls us to embrace the freedom that comes from faith in Christ, casting aside the divisions and distinctions that once separated us. We are called to live in unity, recognizing that in Christ, we are “all one.” The Psalm reminds us to continually seek God’s presence, glorifying Him for His wonderful works and relying on His strength in all things. Finally, the Gospel shows us that true blessedness is found not in worldly success or social standing, but in obedience to God’s word.
Engage with Us!
We’d love to hear your thoughts and reflections! Share how today’s readings resonate with your spiritual journey. What stood out to you, and how are you striving to live in unity with Christ?
Reflection Questions:
- How does being “clothed in Christ” change how you see yourself and others? How can you work to break down divisions in your own life?
- When was the last time you paused to truly glorify God for His works in your life? How can you cultivate a spirit of gratitude in your daily routine?
- What is one way you can better “hear the word of God and obey it” this week? How can you make obedience to God a greater priority in your life?
This week, take time each day to reflect on one blessing from God and one way you can better obey His word. Consider how you can live more fully as an heir of the promise, glorifying God and living in obedience to His will.
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Holy Manna! 
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